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2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Full Review
Date Published: 8/06/08
2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Review
Yukon and Denali offer no changes of note for 2006, awaiting a redesign due during the '06 model year. Yukon and Denali are GMC's versions of the General Motors large SUVs also sold with Chevrolet and Cadillac nameplates. Yukon is an upscale sibling of the Chevrolet Tahoe. The longer Yukon XL is a retrimmed Chevy Suburban. Denali and Denali XL are Yukon's luxury versions. Cadillac's Escalade is the third member of this SUV family.

Yukon XL comes in half-ton 1500 and three-quarter-ton 2500 models. Other Yukons and Denalis are 1500s. All have a rear liftgate with separate-opening glass and seat up to nine. Front bucket seats are standard on Denalis and available for Yukons in place of a 3-person bench. Twin 2nd-row bucket seats are optional to replace a 3-person bench. A 3rd-row bench is standard for Denali, XL SLE, and XL SLT; available for regular-length Yukons and XL SL.

All models have a V8 engine. A 285-hp 4.8-liter is standard in regular-length Yukons, a 295-hp 5.3 is available. The 5.3 is standard on Yukon XL 1500s. A 335-hp 6.0 is standard on Denali and 2500 models, a 325-hp 8.1-liter is optional for the 2500.

All models have an automatic transmission with GM's Tow/Haul mode. Denalis include all-wheel drive without low-range gearing. Yukons offer either rear-wheel drive or GM's Autotrac 4WD that can be left engaged on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.

All models have antilock 4-wheel disc brakes. GM's Stabilitrak antiskid system is standard for Yukon and Denali models. Front side airbags are standard on Denalis, available elsewhere. Yukons get standard 16-inch wheels or optional 17s. Denalis come with 17-inch wheels or newly available 20-inch chrome wheels.

GM's OnStar assistance is standard on all models. Denalis come with power-adjustable pedals and an automatic climate system with front/rear controls. All are available for Yukons. Optional for SLT and Denali models is an audio/navigation system, which adds a control touch screen.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Large SUVs are traditionally workhorse 7-plus passenger wagons with brawny chassis, ample towing ability, lots of cargo space, and generally abysmal fuel economy. These vehicles offer towing and payload ratings similar to large pickup trucks.

Our Best Buys include Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, and Ford Expedition. Our Recommended picks are GMC Yukon, GMC Denali, and the Toyota Sequoia.
News
Though just redesigned, these GMCs and their Chevrolet relatives are expected to add a hybrid powertrain option for 2008. The result of a GM-DaimlerChrysler-BMW collaboration, this "two-mode" system is said to use twin electric motors and a 300-volt battery pack to assist a 5.3 V8 with GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder-shutoff feature. It allows low-speed driving on either power source, and promises better overall fuel economy than conventional powertrains. Rival Dodge's midsize 2007 Durango SUV offers a similar hybrid option.
2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (Denali) Steering feel
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Trailer-towing capability
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
4 5 6 5.1

Always adequate, though 4.8 V8 feels taxed with heavy cargo or towing loads. Automatic transmission a model of smooth, alert shifting. No opportunity to test XL 2500. Maximum towing capacities with largest available engines: 7800 lb for Yukon 1500, 12,000 lb for Yukon XL 2500, 8100 lb for Denali.
Fuel Economy

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
3 2 1 2.3

In our tests, a Tahoe averaged 12.2 mpg, a Suburban 11.5; both had 4WD and 5.3 V8. Comparable GMCs do the same. Test '04 Denali XL averaged just 9.8 mpg. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
6 6 6 5.7

Base suspension is more controlled and absorbent than the available Autoride system, which is standard for Denalis. No opportunity yet to test Denali with 20-inch wheels. Yukon's available off-road package rides stiffly, so try before buying.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
3 3 4 3.6

No big SUV handles like a car, but these GMCs are competent for their size. Base suspension outshines Autoride, but steering lacks good feel either way. Credit GM for making the antiskid system standard on all Yukon 1500 and Denali models. Stopping power good, with firm, progressive pedal movement.
Quietness

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
6 6 6 5.8

Wind rush not intrusive. Tire noise audible at highway speeds, but moderate for large SUVs. Full throttle brings on engine roar, but these V8s are smooth runners.
Controls

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
6 6 6 6

User friendly, with legible gauges and intuitive controls all placed reasonably close. GM lags Ford and Toyota in not offering side curtain airbags in its big SUVs; charging extra for front side airbags in Yukons is a further demerit. Navigation/audio combo a sensible idea, relatively easy to use. Fabrics, plastics midquality at best even in higher-priced, leather-upholstered Denalis.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
9 9 9 8.7

Stretch-out space on wide, supportive seats. Drivers have commanding view, but some nearby objects can't be seen, and no obstacle-detection system available. Standard heated seats among Denali comforts.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
8 8 8 7.6

All models have space aplenty in 2nd row, and Denali includes heated seats. XLs offer adult-size room in 3rd row, but only kids will be happy there in other models. Lower step-in than Ford Expedition and Excursion, but higher than typical minivan; available running boards help. Rear doors' narrow lower openings hamper ingress/egress, especially on regular-length models.
Cargo Room

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
9 9 9 9

XLs take fair-size loads behind 3rd-row seat. Regulars have little more than grocery space, but their 50/50 split seat is more versatile than XLs' one-piece bench--and also easier to remove or install.
Value within Class

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
7 8 4 7.6

Yukon and Yukon XL offer fine value and most of the sensible luxury options anyone could want. Denalis mix those basic virtues with more standard power and extra amenities, but not enough of either to warrant their higher prices. So our Recommended label applies to the Yukon versions.
Total Score

2WD Yukon, 4.8 V8 4WD Yukon XL, 5.3 V8 Denali Class Average
61 62 59 61.4
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
56
Average Score
61
High Score
65
2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/02/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Yukon SL 4-door wagon $34,705 $31,061 $875
4WD Yukon SL 4-door wagon $38,205 $34,193 $875
2WD 1500 Yukon XL SL 4-door wagon $37,755 $33,791 $875
4WD 1500 Yukon XL SL 4-door wagon $40,455 $36,207 $875
2WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $36,305 $32,130 $875
4WD Yukon SLE 4-door wagon $39,805 $35,227 $875
2WD 1500 Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $39,355 $34,829 $875
4WD 1500 Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $42,055 $37,219 $875
2WD 2500 Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $40,430 $35,781 $875
4WD 2500 Yukon XL SLE 4-door wagon $43,130 $38,170 $875
2WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $36,305 $32,130 $875
4WD Yukon SLT 4-door wagon $39,805 $35,227 $875
2WD 1500 Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $39,355 $34,829 $875
4WD 1500 Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $42,055 $37,219 $875
2WD 2500 Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $40,430 $35,781 $875
4WD 2500 Yukon XL SLT 4-door wagon $43,130 $38,170 $875
AWD Denali 4-door wagon $50,185 $44,414 $875
AWD Denali XL 4-door wagon $51,835 $45,874 $875
Price note: SLT, Denali require an option pkg.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Yukon/Yukon XL SL
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine (Yukon), 5.3-liter V8 engine (1500 Yukon XL), 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning w/tri-zone manual climate controls (including rear controls), rear heater, OnStar assistance system w/one-year service, power steering, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, split front bench seat, 6-way power driver seat, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, engine-hour meter, automatic day/night rearview mirror, compass, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails, rear privacy glass.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
7-lead trailer-wiring harness, full-size spare tire, P245/70R16 white-letter tires, alloy wheels, 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5.3-liter V8 engine, front tow hooks.
Yukon/Yukon XL SLE adds to Yukon/Yukon XL SL:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine (2500), limited-slip differential.
Comfort and Convenience Features
3rd-row seat (Yukon XL).
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks (2500), 265/70R16 tires (1500), LT245/75R16E Tires (2500), 4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, 5.3-liter V8 engine (Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL), front tow hooks.
Yukon/Yukon XL SLT adds to Yukon/Yukon XL SLE:
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine (Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), leather upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, Bose sound system, rear radio controls.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
4WD adds: 4-wheel drive, 2-speed transfer case, front tow hooks.
Denali/Denali XL adds to Yukon/Yukon XL SLT:
Powertrain
6.0-liter V8 engine, all-wheel drive.
Safety
Front side airbags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
10-way power front bucket seats w/driver-seat memory, power-adjustable pedals, center console, heated front and 2nd-row seats, 3rd-row split folding seat, outside-mirror-mounted turn signals, driver-side automatic day/night mirror, passenger-side tilt-down back-up-aid mirror, Bose AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee), universal garage-door opener, cargo cover.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards, roof rack.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Deletes: limited-slip rear differential.
Front tow hooks, trailer-hitch platform, Autoride suspension, load-leveling rear suspension, P265/70R17 tires, polished alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
SLT Option Pkg. 4SA
Yukon SLT
$2,530
$2,100
Yukon XL SLT
$3,290
$2,731
Standard equipment.
SLT Option Pkg. 4SB
Yukon XL SLT
$5,080
$4,216
2WD Yukon SLT
$6,260
$5,196
4WD Yukon SLT
$5,460
$4,532
Cargo Pkg. plus driver-seat memory, heated 10-way power front seats w/lumbar adjustment, 3rd-row split folding seat (Yukon), power-folding mirrors w/turn signals and passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month), universal garage-door opener.
Denali Option Pkg.
Denali, Denali XL (credit)
$-1,000
$-830
Standard Equipment.
Smart Select Pkg.
Yukon SLE
$1,115
$925
Yukon XL SLE
$1,280
$1,062
Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg. and Cargo Pkg. plus front side airbags, 3rd-row split folding seat.
Sun, Sound, and Entertainment Pkg.
SLT
$2,720
$2,258
SLT w/Pkg. 4SB
$2,395
$1,988
Power sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 3rd month). Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer or navigation system.
Sun, Entertainment, and Destinations Pkg.
Denali
$4,440
$3,685
Power sunroof, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, navigation system.
Cargo Pkg.
SLE, SLT
$205
$176
Yukon SLE/SLT w/3rd-row seat
$75
$65
Cargo cover and mat (Yukon without 3rd-row seat, Yukon XL), cargo net, roof rack.
Snow Plow Prep Pkg.
2500 4WD
$118
$98
Wiring prep. Requires 8.1-liter V8 engine.
Off-Road Suspension Pkg.
4WD Yukon SLT
$639
$530
Heavy-duty air cleaner, skid plates, off-road suspension, P265/70R17 on/off-road tires.
Autoride Suspension Pkg.
Yukon SLE/SLT, 1500 Yukon XL SLE/SLT
$1,120
$930
2500 Yukon XL SLE/SLT
$1,170
$971
Variable shock absorber control, load-leveling rear suspension. 2500 Yukon XL SLE requires 8.1-liter V8 engine.
Heavy-Duty Trailering Pkg.
Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL
$330
$274
2500 Yukon XL
$235
$195
Trailer-hitch platform, 7-wire harness, heavy-duty transmission-oil cooler, heavy-duty air cleaner. 1500 2WD requires optional axle ratio. Std. Denali.
Powertrain
5.3-liter V8 engine
2WD Yukon SLE
$800
$664
8.1-liter V8 engine
2500
$950
$789
Requires Autoride Suspension.
Limited-slip differential
SL
$295
$245
Special axle ratio
Yukon, 1500 Yukon XL
$100
$83
Safety
Front side airbags
Yukon, Yukon XL
$350
$291
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
SLT, Denali
$2,145
$1,780
Includes AM/FM/CD player.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer
SLE, SLT
$300
$249
Satellite radio
SLE, SLT
$325
$270
Requires monthly fee after 3rd month.
Power sunroof
SLE, SLT
$1,100
$913
Denali, Denali XL
$1,000
$830
SLT w/Pkg. 4SB
$995
$826
Yukon/Yukon XL include universal garage-door opener. SLE requires front bucket seats.
Front bucket seats
SLE
$1,035
$859
Includes floor console, tri-zone automatic climate controls (including rear controls), Bose sound system, rear radio controls.
Front split bench seat
SLE (credit)
$-190
$-157
Standard equipment. NA w/SLT Option Pkg.
2nd-row bucket seats
SLT, Denali
$490
$407
Yukon SLT requires 3rd-row seat.
3rd-row folding seat
Yukon XL SL
$360
$298
3rd-row split folding rear seat
Yukon SLE
$360
$298
Yukon SLT
$760
$631
Includes floormat. Deletes cargo cover.
Power-adjustable pedals
SLE, SLT
$120
$100
Rear-seat DVD entertainment system
SLT, Denali
$1,295
$1,075
Universal garage-door opener
SLE, SLT
$105
$87
Heated power camper mirrors
2500 SLE/SLT
$355
$294
2500 SLT w/Pkg. 4SB
$175
$145
Includes turn signals.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Side steps
SLE
$395
$328
Special paint
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon/Yukon XL SL, Yukon/Yukon XL SLE, Yukon/Yukon XL SLT
$395
$328
Engine-block heater
Denali/Denali XL, Yukon/Yukon XL SL, Yukon/Yukon XL SLE, Yukon/Yukon XL SLT
$50
$42
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Front tow hooks
2WD SLE/SLT
$38
$32
Std. 2500.
Skid Plates
4WD
$95
$79
Bright alloy wheels
SL
$310
$257
17-inch alloy wheels
SLT
$295
$245
Includes P265/70R17 tires.
17-inch polished alloy wheels
SLT
$645
$535
Includes P265/70R17 tires.
20-inch chrome alloy wheels
Denali
$2,995
$2,085
Includes unique suspension, P275/55R20 tires.
LT245/75R16E on/off-road tires
4WD 2500 Yukon XL
$144
$120
P265/70R16 white-letter tires
SLE, SLT
$125
$104
NA 2500.
P265/70R17 white-letter tires
SLT
$125
$104
Requires 17-inch alloy wheels. NA 2500.
2006 GMC Yukon and Denali Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification GMC Yukon/Denali 4-door wagon GMC Yukon XL/Denali XL 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 116.0 130.0
Overall Length, in. 198.8 219.3
Overall Width, in. 78.8 78.8
Overall Height, in. 76.5 75.7
Curb Weight, lbs. 5192 5474
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 104.6 131.6
Standard Payload, lbs. 1462 1446
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.0 31.0
Seating Capacity 9 9
Front Head Room, in. 40.7 40.7
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 39.4 39.0
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 38.6 39.1
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.8 /293 5.3 /325 6.0 /364 8.1 /496
Horsepower @ rpm. 285 @ 5200 295 @ 5200 335 @ 5200 325 @ 4200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 295 @ 4000 335 @ 4000 375 @ 4000 447 @ 3200
Availability Standard Standard Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
       
4-speed automatic 16/20 15/19 13/17 NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test GMC Yukon/Denali 4-door wagon GMC Yukon XL/Denali XL 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5 5
Rollover Resistance 3 3
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 6/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive